Mabel Normand

What was Mabel famous for? What were three significant events or films that she made? What was her downfall? What surprises you about her?

Mabel was most famous for her slapstick comedy. In Mabel’s Dramatic Career, she played the object of desire who was pursued by a "rube." This was typical film style she was casted for. In Barney Oldfield’s Race for a Life, was also a typical role for her, playing as a melodramatic helpless victim where she created the stereotype of being tied to a railroad track. In Tillie’s Punctured Romance, she collaborated with Charlie Chaplin in a physical comedy where played an equal position with him. The Fatty Arbuke's rape trial marked Normand's downfall. She was later troubled by drug and alcohol scandals which added to her already poor reputation. I was surprised of her path of going from a comical actress to a director even though she was such a popular comedian.